Wednesday, April 11, 2007

Obituary of Beverly Gooding

GOODING, Beverly (Erisman) Age 75, Died April 7, at home after a long illness which she faced with cheerfulness and courage befitting her faith and character. Survived by her husband of 54 years, Robert, who was her primary caregiver in her last years; daughter Lisa of Dayton, son James of Cincinnati, James Malone who was like a son to her and John Greer, Jr. who was like a grandson to her., as well as "adopted family" Helena Strauch and Robert Nyerges. She is also survived by her sister Eleanor (James) Woolley and brother Stewart (Betty) Erisman, as well as cousins, nieces, nephews and many friends. Preceded in death by her parents, Earl and Lela Erisman. Beverly was known for her kindness, gentle spirit, good humor and commitment to serving others, and for inviting many to share the food she prepared. A Fairview H.S. graduate, she attended Ohio University. While dedicated to her entire family, she also had a career in the workplace, beginning as assistant to the DP&L VP of Personnel in the early 1950s. Once her children were in school, she worked for Kenneth D. Arn, MD, as his assistant and office manager for 20 years, then worked for many years as Mrs. Virginia Kettering's personal assistant until shortly before Mrs. Kettering's death. Beverly's interests were many, from children, reading and antiques to travel and white water rafting. She gave many hours to community needs. Among them, she founded and led Bellbrook's first Child Conservation League in the 1950s and was an active member long after her children were grown and until her illness. She was a Girl Scout leader, served her church in many capacities including treasurer, co-founded with her husband and others the Bellbrook-Sugarcreek Historical Society, serving it in leadership roles in her quiet steadfast way. Viewing, Wed, Apr. 11, 4-8 p.m. at Conner & Koch Funeral Home, 92 W. Franklin St., Bellbrook, OH. Funeral service, Thurs, Apr 12, 2 p.m. Grace United Methodist Church, Harvard & Salem Aves., Dayton, OH. Rev. Teri Heck of Bellbrook UMC and Rev. Marla Brown, Grace UMC, co-officiating. Burial Bellbrook Cemetery. Condolences and fond memories of Beverly may be emailed to the family at lagooding@cs.com. Should you wish, gifts in Beverly's memory can be made to children's charities or the Greene County Council on Aging. The Gooding Family especially thanks Jeannie Adkins of the Council for the loving care she gave Beverly and Bob. We also thank dear friends Roberta Uible-King, Jerry Wright, and Ada Rife for their continuous help and Glenn Kwiat, MD, for his care.